Unlock Your Potential: 7 Tips and Tricks to Increase Your Typing Speed

In a world where our fingers do most of the talking, typing speed is a modern-day superpower. Whether you're a student trying to finish an essay, a professional responding to emails, or a writer chasing a deadline, the ability to type faster can save you hundreds of hours every year.

But improving your Words Per Minute (WPM) isn't about magic; it's about technique and consistent practice. If you're ready to leave slow, clumsy typing behind, here are seven proven tips and tricks you can start using today.

1. Stop Looking at the Keyboard (Master Touch Typing)

This is the golden rule. You will never achieve high speeds if your eyes are hunting for keys. Touch typing is the skill of typing using muscle memory without looking at the keyboard. It is the single most important factor in becoming a fast typist. The initial learning curve can be frustrating, but the long-term payoff is immense.

2. Know Your Place: Master the Home Row

The foundation of touch typing is the home row (the ASDF and JKL; keys). Every finger has a designated starting position on these keys. Train your fingers to always return to the home row after each keystroke. This creates a reliable "center point," allowing your fingers to navigate the entire keyboard with confidence and precision.

3. Accuracy Before Speed

This may sound counterintuitive, but it's crucial. Trying to type fast when you're still making frequent mistakes only reinforces bad habits. Each time you press backspace, you destroy your rhythm and drastically lower your WPM score. Slow down and focus on hitting the correct key every single time. As your accuracy improves, speed will follow naturally and sustainably.

4. Use All Your Fingers

Are you a "four-finger typist"? Many people develop the bad habit of only using their index and middle fingers. Proper touch typing technique involves using all ten fingers, with each finger responsible for a specific set of keys. This minimizes hand movement, reduces strain, and is far more efficient than chasing keys across the keyboard.

5. Practice with Purpose, Not Just Passively

Mindlessly typing isn't enough. You need deliberate practice. This means using a structured typing tutor that guides you through lessons, from the home row to numbers and symbols. Focus on drills that target your specific weaknesses, whether it's common words, punctuation, or difficult letter combinations.

6. Fix Your Posture (Ergonomics Matter)

You can't type fast if you're uncomfortable. Slouching, bending your wrists at odd angles, and having your monitor at the wrong height all lead to fatigue and strain. Sit up straight, keep your feet flat on the floor, and position your wrists so they are straight and level with your forearms. A comfortable typist is a faster typist.

7. Benchmark and Track Your Progress

How do you know if you're getting better? By measuring your progress. Take a typing speed test regularly (perhaps once a week) to get a baseline WPM score. Watching your score climb over time is a powerful motivator that keeps you committed to your practice.

Ready to Speed Up?

Becoming a faster typist is a journey, not a race. By focusing on these fundamental tips and tricks, you’ll build a solid foundation for speed, accuracy, and comfort.

Start your journey today. Put these tips into action with our structured Typing Lessons or see where you stand with a free WPM Typing Test.